Orissa government geo-spatial data system for disaster management

Frequently hit by natural calamities like flood, cyclone and heatwaves, Orissa government on Wednesday launched a pilot project on mobile-based technology for generation of geo-spatial data system as part of it's preparedness to meet the challenges.

While paying homage to the victims of Supercyclone and others in different calamities in the state and launching the service, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the instrument used in the generation of geo-spatial data system was designed by ISRO was a combination of a medium resolution camera, a GPS (Geographical Positioning System), a palmtop computer and a mobile phone set.

By these instruments, information from the field with photographs and geographic coordinates can be collected and sent to the central server through the avaibalble mobile phone network which could be used for an online decision support system, Patnaik said.

The pilot project was launched in Puri district for the first time in the country for creating a data base of relief shelters, hospitals and supply godowns.

The system developed in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, was launched today while observing the ninth anniversary of killer Supercyclone in 1999.

Nearly 8,000 people died in the Supercyclone as wind blew at more than 280 km per hour.

Besides, Patnaik also announced to set up at least five more units of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) which work in relief and rescue operations during the calamities.

To add the state's preparedness, Patnaik said doppler radars would also be placed shortly at Paradip, Gopalpur and Sambalpur.

"One can clearly get information three to four days ahead of the cyclone in the 400 kilometer radius of the doppler radar," he said.

[via]